What made you choose to work for Nestlé Purina? What makes you stay at Nestlé Purina?

Back in the middle of 2007, I interviewed with 4 companies. I was amazed at the very open and trusting culture at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. I was equally amazed at how long the employees have worked at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. I said to myself, "why are these people staying here for 15, 20, 30 years?....because it must be a great place to work". I have found that to be true and that is why I have stayed here. This is the best job I have ever had and definitely the best set of people, too! I hope I have the privilege to retire here!

What's your favorite or most rewarding part of working for Nestlé Purina?

Variety. Because I work in Engineering, you never know what kind of project you will be working on next. That is very exciting and rewarding. It is also very rewarding to work on a project where the product is being introduced into the marketplace for the first time or where we are using new technology that has not been used in any of the plants.

How has Nestlé Purina helped you grow professionally?

I have worked on teams before, but not to the extent that I have at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. It has helped me to be more open to the ideas of other professionals and to work with a wide variety of people focused on the same goal.

If you knew then, what you know now, what’s one piece of advice you would give to someone coming into the company?

Be yourself, work hard, and have fun.

What’s something about working with Nestlé Purina that has surprised you?

When interviewing with Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, my supervisor and other Nestlé Purina PetCare Company employees told me information about the culture of the company. I can say that nearly 2.5 years later, everything that I was told has been almost 100% accurate. In my past, that was never the case.

What is the most exciting thing you are involved in outside of work?

Really two things. Spending time with my family and friends is a big deal for me. In addition; for the past 15 years, I have volunteered my time to work with High School Youth at my church. Both areas are very important to me and rewarding, too.

What items in your office could you not live without?

I could not live without a computer. We have become so reliant on these wonderful devices. Computers can really increase productivity if used in the correct manner and with doing drawing layouts and spreadsheets, you can easily make changes instead of having to write out everything again and again.

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis to relax and unwind?

Home is my favorite place with my wife and our dog Zoe.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

Youth Ministry or Sports Broadcasting. I love both of those areas outside of work.

What’s one hidden skill or talent you have that would surprise your coworkers?

Ice Skating and playing Ice Hockey. I have skated since I was 4.